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Bill de Blasio is no fan of the 9/11 truth movement. Photo: Associated Press

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday denounced an effort by an off-shoot of the 9/11 truth movement to force the city to investigate the collapse of 7 World Trade Center during the terrorist attack 13 years ago.

“From what I’ve heard it’s absolutely ridiculous,” a peeved Mr. de Blasio said in response to a reporter’s question. “And it’s inappropriate, after all the suffering that went on 9/11 and since. It seems to be this is a very insensitive and inappropriate action.”

The so-called High Rise Safety Initiative, a group of 9/11 conspiracy theorists who reject the government’s explanations for the collapse of 1, 2 and 7 World Trade Center, recently submitted tens of thousands of petition signatures to force a question onto the November ballot, as reported by Crain’s. They hope to give voters the chance to compel the city to investigate the collapse of 7 WTC, which they consider to be suspicious.

The ballot initiative would have to be confirmed by the City Council first, and Mr. de Blasio said Thursday that it was his hope the council would reject the measure.

“I believe the City Council will share our view that this should never be on the ballot,” he said, with Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito nodding in agreement beside him.

In 2009, the city successfully challenged in court an attempt to include a referendum on the ballot calling for an investigation into 7 WTC’s collapse. But even if the council rejects this latest effort, the High Rise Safety Initiative could still put its question to voters by collecting enough signatures.